Happy Winter Solstice!! Winter Solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. Chinese Taoist philosophy would describe this moment as utmost Yin. The sun arcs low in the sky, and it's cold, wet and dark. This is the exact pivot at which yin begins to turn to Yang. After today the days will begin to lengthen; in time the earth will warm and winter will yield to spring.

Cultures all over the world have imbued meaning to this natural event of the darkest, longest night. Usually the solstice represents rebirth, involving holidays, festivals of light and celebrations- with Hanukkah or Christmas among the traditions. From the perspective of health care, the force of growing Yang within each of us represents our recovery potential from illness. A saying in Chinese medicine is "take a tonic in the winter, kill a tiger in the spring". To optimize your immune system and boost your Yang, nourish yourself with an herbal tonic, eat warm foods such as this immune-boosting soup and log plenty of hours sleeping. It is also a natural time to come out of hibernation for a minute to celebrate with community. Light the darkest night with the love all around you.